Luke 6:27-38
This is similar to the reading two days ago from Matthew but it goes even further. Let's explore. There would seem to be a fine line between what this passage is calling you to do and being a masochist. If someone slapped you in the face, would you really turn the other cheek to offer the opportunity to get hit again? In a way, that is exactly what we are called to do.
It has all to do with forgiveness and the opportunity to witness what forgiveness, faith and love means to us. Clearly it does not mean being a masochist or acting stupidly. We are called however to truly forgive and open ourselves to the opportunity to love again which does open us up to being hurt again. God does this all the time. We say we love him, we say we are thankful. Then we turn around and slap him by our sometimes selfish and hateful actions towards ourselves and others. The 'others' are his children too, our brothers and sisters.
When trying to illustrate this concept of offing the other cheek, I am reminded of Les Mis. Jean Valjean steals silver candlesticks from a Priest who has offered him comfort, food, love and forgiveness. The police catch him and drag him back to the Priest. The Priest says, officers you have done your duty but this man tells he truth - I gave him the candle sticks. Further, the priest says, and you left so quickly, you left the best part and forgot to take these other even more exensive candlesticks. Truly a conversion moment. The Priest offers the other cheek and "42601" has a conversion moment.
So we are called to truly and wholeheartedly forgive as God does for us very day, as Jesus showed us as he hung there on the cross with nails we drove in. But do not act stupidly in a masochistic way. God gave us a brain , do not put yourself in danger but do forgive. Do offer the other cheek. Give and do not expect any recompense. When you do your bounty is already returned to in richness that money truly cannot buy.
This is similar to the reading two days ago from Matthew but it goes even further. Let's explore. There would seem to be a fine line between what this passage is calling you to do and being a masochist. If someone slapped you in the face, would you really turn the other cheek to offer the opportunity to get hit again? In a way, that is exactly what we are called to do.
It has all to do with forgiveness and the opportunity to witness what forgiveness, faith and love means to us. Clearly it does not mean being a masochist or acting stupidly. We are called however to truly forgive and open ourselves to the opportunity to love again which does open us up to being hurt again. God does this all the time. We say we love him, we say we are thankful. Then we turn around and slap him by our sometimes selfish and hateful actions towards ourselves and others. The 'others' are his children too, our brothers and sisters.
When trying to illustrate this concept of offing the other cheek, I am reminded of Les Mis. Jean Valjean steals silver candlesticks from a Priest who has offered him comfort, food, love and forgiveness. The police catch him and drag him back to the Priest. The Priest says, officers you have done your duty but this man tells he truth - I gave him the candle sticks. Further, the priest says, and you left so quickly, you left the best part and forgot to take these other even more exensive candlesticks. Truly a conversion moment. The Priest offers the other cheek and "42601" has a conversion moment.
So we are called to truly and wholeheartedly forgive as God does for us very day, as Jesus showed us as he hung there on the cross with nails we drove in. But do not act stupidly in a masochistic way. God gave us a brain , do not put yourself in danger but do forgive. Do offer the other cheek. Give and do not expect any recompense. When you do your bounty is already returned to in richness that money truly cannot buy.
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’
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